City Spotlight: Nacogdoches

For
a small town hidden at the far eastern edge of the state, Nacogdoches is well known
for a great number of things. It’s one of the oldest towns in Texas. It is one
of the few places in the state that can claim to have had nine, not six, flags
flown over it throughout its history. And it’s the Garden Capital of Texas.

Best
of all, the town is a gateway to the beautiful Pineywoods region, an area that
blends historic charm with natural beauty.

Deep Texas Roots

Archaeological
digs have established that Native Americans made their home in the area around
modern Nacogdoches since around the year 1250. Then came the Spanish, French,
and Mexicans. After Anglo settlers arrived, it became the setting of a number
of early rebellions that predated the Texas Revolution.

To explore Nacogdoches history, head to the old Stone Fort Museum, which sits on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. A replica of the original 1779 structure (which was more a big house than a fort), the Stone Fort Museum tells the story of Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, the son of Spanish colonists, who built the fort and used it as a trading post. In 1826, the building was seized by settlers as part of the Fredonian Rebellion, the very first attempt at a Texas Revolution.

From Frontier Outpost
to Eclectic Town

As
Nacogdoches grew in the 19th century, new settlers from Europe arrived and left
their mark on the town. Much of downtown Nacogdoches owes its architectural
style to a single German architect named Dietrich Rulfs, who emigrated to Texas
in 1879 and, over the next 40 years, designed buildings throughout the state.
His arrival coincided with the town’s transition from a frontier outpost to an
important trading center. The Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau offers
a self-guided walking tour that allows visitors to explore 15 of the historic
buildings that owe their style to this influential architect.

The Garden Capital of Texas

Located
deep in the woods of East Texas, Nacogdoches is surrounded by some of the most
beautiful countryside in the state. Explore it by visiting the Blueberry
Festival, the Deep East Texas Foliage Trail, or the Holiday in the Pines
Celebration. The town is also home to many public gardens. One of the most
beautiful gardens is the Mast Arboretum, which is located on the campus of
Stephen F. Austin State University. The 10-acre botanical garden and arboretum,
which contains more than 3,000 plant species, is free and open to the public.
In the spring, the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail blooms with more than 7,000
azaleas. The tour will lead visitors through the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden — the
largest azalea garden in Texas.

Exploring East Texas? Drive the East Texas music highway and drift through Caddo Lake.